Explore the historical origins of Chinese surnames

Surname Story

Origin and History of the Surname 郭

Sure, I’ll tell you the story of the Chinese surname “Guo” and introduce some famous historical figures with this surname.

The surname "Guo" originates from the ancient Chinese state of Guo during the Zhou Dynasty. Over time, descendants of the rulers and nobles of this state took "Guo" as their surname, forming one of the major sources of this surname. Additionally, there are other origins of the "Guo" surname, such as adoption due to various reasons like territorial changes or royal decrees.

Now, let's look at some famous historical figures with the surname "Guo":

1. Guo Moruo: A renowned modern Chinese writer, historian, archaeologist, poet, and critic. He made significant contributions to Chinese literature and history.

2. Guo Shoujing: A prominent astronomer, mathematician, and hydraulic engineer in the Yuan Dynasty. He is best known for his work on the "授时历" (Shoushi Calendar), which was highly accurate and became the official calendar of China for over three centuries.

3. Guo Ziyi: A military general during the Tang Dynasty, known for his bravery and loyalty. He played a crucial role in defending China against foreign invasions and expanding its territory.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals with the surname "Guo". The Guo family has produced many outstanding figures throughout Chinese history, making significant contributions to various fields including literature, science, politics, and military.